603 S2 Windscreen wiper difficult to turn to operate...

[browning l]

Any suggestions?

[Kevin H]

Not sure whether you mean the switch is hard to turn or the windscreen wipers are struggling when turned on.

If the former, probably easiest to just buy a new switch. If the latter I would suggest disconnecting the windscreen motor from the car and connecting the terminals on the motor directly to a charged car battery with an appropriate fuse in-line and see how the motor operates. This will tell you if the problem is with the motor or the wiring on your car.

Poor wiring on the car is reasonably easy to fix, albeit probably time consuming. If it's the motor, I'm not familiar with it so would not be able to offer further suggestions. Although I'm sure it would be repairable.

PS. I have just uploaded a 603 owners manual in the Resources section, although it won't help with this problem.

[browning l]

Originally Posted by Kevin Howard

Not sure whether you mean the switch is hard to turn or the windscreen wipers are struggling when turned on.

If the former, probably easiest to just buy a new switch.

The former. The operating switch turns only with major effort, which is quite distracting while driving. I'm under the impression that this is typical for this switch. If that's true, and I'm awaiting a factory response, what I'm looking for is some fix to reduce the effort required to turn the switch.

[davidd]

Mine's pretty hard to turn, too. It doesn't help that the switch is not that comfortable to grip, so much so that I sometimes wonder about changing it for a bar-type one, but haven't yet got around to it.

[browning l]

Originally Posted by davidd

Mine's pretty hard to turn, too. It doesn't help that the switch is not that comfortable to grip, so much so that I sometimes wonder about changing it for a bar-type one, but haven't yet got around to it.

Definitely uncomfortable, unless one is wearing driving gloves, which I seldom do. Can you elaborate on "a bar-type one," Davidd? I've wondered about attempting to create a larger diameter control knob that would slip on over the existing knob, providing more leverage, but wouldn't know where to find, or how to create, one. I suspose if one was capable of creating molded plastic items it would be possible.

Could always clamp a small pair of vise-grip pliers on the knob, eh? Of course, finding a small pair that would open that wide and still grip may not be easy.

[davidd]

Since the horrible little knob is secured with a grub screw, perhaps something like this would work?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1812

Preferably one with greater aesthetic and tactile appeal, though! An old bakelite one would be more in keeping!

There would also need to be sufficient clearance underneath to allow the washer switch to work...

David

[browning l]

Originally Posted by davidd

Since the horrible little knob is secured with a grub screw, perhaps something like this would work?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1812

Preferably one with greater aesthetic and tactile appeal, though! An old bakelite one would be more in keeping!

There would also need to be sufficient clearance underneath to allow the washer switch to work...

David

Sorry, the little box with the red X doesn't open, and, tried on another site, but it wouldn't work there either, but thank you, anyway.

[David Olivant]

On Ebay usa there is a rotary switch with washer item No 200306264441.
Don't know if it will help?
David